Recognisation of archaeological qualifications and professional experience

Reported obstacle

A Slovak citizen cannot get an excavation permit in Hungary, nor a Hungarian citizen in Slovakia, even though they have the qualifications and professional experience, but they have acquired them in the other country.

Expert answer

The obstacle is not unique in the European Union. In our analysis of EU practice, we found a good example in the Republic of Ireland, which provides a specific procedure for the recognition of experience acquired in another country under a separate regulation. We referred to this example and contacted the Hungarian Excavation Committee, which discussed the problem raised at its meeting. Hungary accepts all diplomas obtained in the EU and the experience of archaeologists from abroad, so the Excavation Committee is therefore open to dialogue with the Slovak professional organisation, requesting the mediation of CESCI on the matter. On the Slovak side, CESCI Carpathia would like to achieve a similar openness on the part of Archeologická Rada.